139: The Empire's "Declaration" (Part 2)

“The significance of a derby isn’t about which team we send to play; it’s about the kind of football we play.”

Lin Feng picked up the documents on the table again.

“Besides, our ‘kids’ are already eager to prove themselves.”

At 3 AM, Sophie said her goodbyes and left.

Lin Feng continued to refine the business cooperation plan alone.

His phone rang again; it was an international call from Seoul, South Korea.

“Mr. Lin, we are very interested in the strategic cooperation plan you proposed.”

English with a slight Korean accent came from the other end of the line.

“Our board of directors hopes to arrange a formal meeting as soon as possible to discuss the cooperation details.”

Lin Feng checked the time on his watch.

It should be afternoon in Seoul now, prime time for business activities.

“Of course. But before that, I need my legal team to review the preliminary framework.”

“No problem. We will send a detailed letter of intent for cooperation tomorrow.”

“Excellent.” Lin Feng closed the folder in front of him. “This will be a game-changing collaboration.”

After hanging up, he picked up the internal phone on his desk and dialed John Stone’s number.

Although it was late at night, the professional legal consultant still kept his phone on.

“John, I need you to start preparing a special contract framework first thing tomorrow morning.”

“What kind of contract?”

“A contract that could make history.”

Lin Feng briefly introduced the cooperation plan with Samsung.

John let out a surprised gasp on the other end of the line.

“Boss, if this contract is truly signed, it will become the most revolutionary commercial agreement in the history of English football.”

“That’s exactly the effect I’m aiming for.”

Lin Feng stood up and walked to the sofa area of his office.

His body’s fatigue required him to relax a bit.

“John, this contract is not just a commercial document; it’s our declaration to the entire football world.”

“What kind of declaration?”

“A declaration that we are no longer a small club.”

The next morning, the streets of Hartlepool were enveloped in the thin mist characteristic of autumn.

Lin Feng woke up on the office sofa, still covered by the jacket Sophie had left the night before.

His phone screen displayed dozens of unread messages.

The most important one was from Richard Arnold: “The Korean side has sent the official letter of intent for cooperation; please check your email.”

Lin Feng opened his computer and carefully read the twenty-page cooperation framework.

Every clause was meticulously designed, reflecting the common interests and long-term plans of both parties.

[System Notification: Important commercial document detected. Do you want to enable the “Risk Assessment” module?]

“Enable.”

[Risk assessment in progress...]

[Assessment Result: The overall risk factor of this cooperation plan is relatively low. It is recommended to focus on technical standard compatibility and intellectual property protection clauses.]

Lin Feng noted the system’s advice, then called John Stone.

“John, the Korean side’s letter of intent has arrived. I need you and your team to complete a preliminary review today.”

“Understood. I will immediately organize a professional team for a detailed analysis.”

“Remember, this is not just a commercial contract; it’s the cornerstone of our entire business landscape. No detail can be wrong.”

After hanging up, Lin Feng began to organize the overall structure of Northern Capital.

He drew a complex relationship diagram on the whiteboard.

Hartlepool United Football Club was at the core, surrounded by various subsidiaries and investment projects.

Northern Storm Interactive Entertainment was responsible for game development and digital entertainment.

The newly acquired logistics company handled supply chain and distribution networks.

The new energy investment project focused on the future clean energy market.

Every link was closely related to the brand value of the football club, forming a vast business ecosystem.

A knock came from the door, and Old John pushed it open.

“Boss, the team has started their final preparations for tonight’s derby.”

Lin Feng turned around, the fatigue on his face completely gone.

“How are our young men doing?”

“Very excited, and a little nervous. After all, this is the first time most of them are participating in a real derby.”

“Nervousness is normal.” Lin Feng walked back to his desk. “But I believe they won’t disappoint us.”

Old John hesitated to speak, but finally did.

“Boss, the media and fans have some doubts about our decision to send the reserve team to play.”

“Doubts?”

“They believe it’s disrespectful to the derby tradition.”

Lin Feng pondered for a moment.

“John, tell the media that tonight’s match will prove that Hartlepool United’s strength comes from more than just one main lineup.”

“Our youth academy system, our football philosophy, our club culture—all will be best showcased tonight.”

Old John nodded, then turned to leave.

“Oh, and John.” Lin Feng called him back. “Remind the players that tonight’s opponent isn’t Darlington, but their own fear and nervousness.”

“Once they overcome those, they will truly grow up.”

In the afternoon, the Phoenix Training Center welcomed special guests.

Several scouts from top European clubs quietly appeared by the training ground.

Their objective was clear: to observe the young players who might feature in the derby.

Andrea Massimo, a scout from AC Milan, recorded every detail.

The positional awareness of 15-year-old forward Liam Jones, the organizational ability of center-back Smalling, the leadership talent of goalkeeper Carson.

“These kids have very solid fundamentals,” he told his companion. “More importantly, they play in a very mature way, not like players of this age.”

The Real Madrid scout, on the other hand, focused more on overall tactical execution.

He was impressed by the tactical discipline displayed by this young team in training.

Every pass, every run, was strictly executed according to the established tactical system.

“Their coaching staff has done an excellent job,” he wrote in his notebook. “These young men have fully understood the club’s football philosophy.”

After training, Smalling, as captain, gathered all the players in a circle.

“Guys, tonight is our time to prove ourselves.”

His voice was young, but carried a composure beyond his age.

“The media says we’re a ‘kindergarten team,’ and the fans question our strength.”

“But the boss believes in us, the coaching staff believes in us, and more importantly, we have to believe in ourselves.”

Fifteen-year-old Jones nervously swallowed.

As the youngest player on the front line, he was under immense pressure.

“Don’t be nervous, Liam.” A teammate next to him patted his shoulder. “Just do what you do in training.”

Scott Carson, as goalkeeper and the other on-field captain, also expressed his views.

“We’re not playing to prove anything; we’re playing for victory.”

“That’s enough.”

In the evening, the team bus drove out of the Phoenix Training Center.

Outside the windows, fans were already holding banners, seeing the team off.

“Let those kids know our support.”

“A derby is a derby, no matter who plays.”

“The spirit of Hartlepool United never dies.”

The atmosphere inside the bus was a bit more relaxed than expected.

Although nervous, the young players were also full of anticipation.

This was the opportunity they had dreamed of, a chance to showcase themselves in front of all of England.

Jones sat by the window, quietly watching the passing scenery.

He remembered what the boss, Lin Feng, had told him during training: “The most important thing on the football field isn’t age, but mindset.”

“If you play thinking you’re only 15, then you really only play at a 15-year-old level.”

“But if you play thinking you’re a professional player, then you are a professional player.”

These words gave him immense encouragement.

Tonight, he would forget his age and focus on playing every ball well.